Where lake, wetland, and woodland meet in every season.
About This Location
Memorial Lake State Park is a diverse and rewarding birding destination in central Pennsylvania, offering a mix of open water, wetlands, grasslands, and mature woodland. Centered around a scenic lake, the park attracts a wide variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and migratory species throughout the year. The combination of easy access points, quiet back trails, and changing habitats makes it an excellent location for both casual birders and photographers looking to observe birds in natural, varied settings.
Photography Notes
When birding at Memorial Lake, I tend to follow a familiar and productive loop. I usually begin at the first pull-off along Memorial Lake Road near the dam, where I walk across the dam itself—often a reliable spot for photographing swallows in flight. From there, I continue to the open field across from the lake before returning to the car. I then follow the one-way section of Memorial Lake Road, stopping at several pull-offs and short trails that lead down to the water. These shoreline areas regularly produce ducks, grebes, and the occasional Mute Swan. I finish my visit at the main parking area near the boat launches and restrooms, where multiple trails wind through beautiful wooded sections of the park. These forested paths are especially active during migration, offering chances to see and photograph a wide variety of songbirds and warblers. I have had my best success here in the spring months, when bird activity is high and the light filtering through the trees adds an extra layer of atmosphere to each image.
Location
